Realizing President's Promises, Social Affairs Minister Distributed 84 Boat Engine to the Fishermen in Gresik

Total amount of the assistance from Ministry of Social Affairs in Gresik as much as Rp1.3 billion

GRESIK (October 23rd, 2022) – Ministry of Social Affairs Tri Rismaharini visited Bale Purbo in Gresik Regency East Java to distributes boat engine for some groups of fishermen. This assistance is the realization of the President and Social Affairs Minister’s previous visit in Gresik on April 20th, 2022.

“This is the follow-up from the President’s some time ago. Some fisherman asked about boat machine assistance for them. Therefore, we respond to this because we want to make their life better,” said Risma in Bale Purbo, Gresik, Saturday (22/10).

84 unit engine with 11 horsepower and basic food packages were distributed to 7 groups of fishermen in Kelurahan Lumpur and Kroman, that consists of Metoko group, Balai Pesusukan, Balai Gede, Balai Purbo, Balai Wonorejo, Balai Keling, and Balai Cilik.

On this occasion, some fishermen attended this event said that the fish price was very low while the fish catch was very high. On the other hand, when the west wind season and fish catches are low, fishermen do not get any results even though they have been at sea for days. Therefore, so many fishermen in Lumpur and Kroman have a bank credit with interest rates reached 25% per 4 months.

Responding to this problem, Social Affairs Minister initiates to provide an empowerment program for the housewives to process the fish becomes a product to be sold.

“When it is time to harvest, they don’t have to sell all of the fish. Some fish can be produced to be sold. And you should make it more expensive, sir,” said Risma.

Risma motivated some fishermen and directly contact Aminah, ex Semanggi selling in Surabaya. Before, Aminah has Rp150 thousands turnover per day. After joining the empowerment program, her turnover becomes higher even Rp 5 million per day.

Risma also encouraged the fisherman to build a cooperative shop. She said that the cooperative shop interest will not be as high as bank. The amount should be agreed by the member in Yearly Member Meeting or Rapat Anggota Tahunan (RAT).

While, the Gresik Regent, Fandi Akhmad Yani agree with the Minister’s recommendation. He thinks that empowering housewives and building cooperative can keep the result of fish catch and added a value for the fisherman. On the other side, this cooperative can be a source of their income to buy fuel and meals for fishing.

Eko Juliono (34th), the representative of merged group of fishermen in Lumpur and Kroman (Gapokan) explained that he agreed with this idea.

“I’m agree with it, because there is no cooperative yet for fisherman. I hope this can realized as soon as possible so that the fisherman can be more prosperous and we can have a chance to get into the industry,” said Eko.

In Lumpur and Kroman, there are 1.600 fishermen with around 800 boats. The result of their fishing, such as Kuro Fish, Dorang Fish, and White Kakap Fish, which has quality export. However, the price was low from the agent. The fishermen income is around Rp 50 thousand per day.

This condition makes the Minister wants to boost the community income through empowerment program and cooperative. Minister also asked the Regent to coordination with the related fisherman group about empowerment model that will be developed.

“We will coordinate with the Regent about the form. If it is consistent, I believe that the goal will be achieved,” said Risma.

Public Relation Bureau
Ministry of Social Affairs